Chinese, Nigerien ruling parties to boost bilateral ties

The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS) have affirmed the positive results of cooperation between Niamey and Beijing and decided to reinforce the cooperation for the mutual benefits of the two countries.

Both parties spoke highly of bilateral ties and cooperation during a visit by a high-level CPC delegation led Wang Jiarui, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

According to a statement released on Monday in Niamey, a joint session co-chaired by PNDS Chairman Mohamed Bazoum and Wang discussed the experiences of the two political parties and the key projects being implemented in Niger with support from China.

The two parties praised their respective governments for placing more emphasis on cooperation in agriculture, energy and communication infrastructure, water supply, health, mining and oil drilling.

The two delegations agreed to intensify and diversify cooperation between the PNDS and the CPC in common search for capacity enhancement.

Upon its arrival, the CPC delegation was met by Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou on Saturday and Prime Minister Brigi Rafini on Monday.

PNDS delegations visited China in 2012 and 2013 as part of normal exchanges between the two political parties.